Richard Antone Erickson, 86
Richard Antone Erickson, 86, of Middleboro, Massachusetts, passed away peacefully on August 9, 2026, surrounded by his loving family.
Born on February 6, 1940, in Middleboro, Richard was the son of the late Sulo Erickson and the late Irene Eunice Wozniak (Leach). A resident of Middleboro, he built a life centered around hard work, family, and the simple pleasures that brought him joy.
Richard spent his early childhood years in Duxbury, later attending middle school in Colorado Springs Co. before spending his first years of high school in Hawaii in the architecture program. Richard traveled with his family back to Carver and completed his high school education at Silver Lake Regional High School in the building trades program.
Richard chose to join United States Navy during the Vietnam era as a Seabee in 1961. After his service, he returned home and began a career in carpentry and construction, eventually working as a construction supervisor. He was a member of the Brockton local 624. He later entered the cranberry business, a decision that allowed him to spend more time closer to his family. He was proud to be a 3rd generation cranberry grower, loved the land and embraced the farming lifestyle.
For 64 wonderful years, Richard was the devoted husband of his beloved wife, Judy Diane Ahlquist. Together, they built a life filled with family, laughter, hard work, and countless memories.
Being anoutdoor enthusiast, Richard enjoyed hunting and fishing from an early age. He spent time surfing and fishing the waters of Hawaii and playing the ukulele.
Having an adventurist spirit Richard and Judy traveled the country and the islands of the Caribbean in later years after the children went off to college. During the winter months, Richard and Judy loved escaping the cold New England weather and spending time at their home in Florida. He especially enjoyed relaxing by the pool and in the spa as well as immersing in the Florida lifestyle attending many events and concerts with his visiting children.
Richard could often be found riding around the bogs in his Kubota, taking pride in the land he worked and cared for. He could also be found on the back porch playing cribbage or enjoying a competitive game of whist with his family.
However, Richard’s greatest joy was his family, his grandchildren, who lovingly knew him as Papa. There was nothing quite like the way his eyes would light up whenever one of his grandchildren walked into the room. His love for them was unmistakable, and the memories they made with their Papa will remain with them forever.
Richard leaves behind his devoted wife, Judy; his children, Julie and Michael Albanese of Milton, Kimberly and Donald Carmichael of Middleboro, Jeff and Lisa Erickson of Middleboro; and his beloved grandchildren, Katrina Carmichael and fiancé Matthew Meyer, David Looney Erickson, Shelby Carmichael, Anna Erickson, Jeffrey Erickson, Jack Erickson, and “Eric” (Erickson) Albanese. He is also survived by several nieces, nephews and cousins.
His family will miss the sound of his voice, his laughter, his stories, his competitive spirit, his daily green tea, and all those ordinary moments that never seemed ordinary because they were shared with Papa. He loved telling stories about his younger years and the experiences that shaped his life. Those stories, along with the memories created with him, will be treasured by his family and carried on for generations to come.
He was loved. He will be missed. And he will always be Papa.
Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Wednesday, August 19th from 4 – 7 PM at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. (Rt. 28), Wareham. Funeral services will be Thursday, August 20th at 10 AM at the funeral home. Interment will be in Central Cemetery, Carver.
In lieu of flowers donations may be made in memory of Richard Erickson to Dana Farber Jimmy Fund. For directions or to leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com
